Official Website

Platform: PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox

Genre: Action

Number of Players: 1 - 2

*Robotech is also available in a limited Collector's Edition complete with game, soundtrack, character art, and much more*

Question: How long have we waited for a Robotech game to be released in the United States?

Answer: Far too long.

Over the years of console gaming, we’ve been promised Robotech games time and time again. In fact, we’ve even been teased with screenshots, but nothing ever came to fruition. Remember that Robotech game that we were promised for the Nintendo 64 that never was? Sure, it may have been just one game in the long string of those broken hopes we’ve all experienced, but this was a big one. Of course, those lucky Japanese have had numerous games for just about every console that’s ever been released, but here in the states, we’ve only had crushed dreams.

Those days are over finally however, as TDK Interactive finally brings Robotech to fans across North America. Nice timing on their part, since this year marks the 20th anniversary of the venerable classic in Japan (although it wasn’t officially released in the United States until 1985.) I’m sure that the real question on everyone’s mind however, is was it really worth late wait? I suppose that depends on what side of the fence you stand on. There are definitely some devoted and hard-core Robotech fans worldwide that have been salivating with each screenshot that was released for the game. Then there’s the other side of things, those of us (myself included) that never really got into the whole Robotech thing.

For those of you that are completely in the dark about the background of Robotech, it goes a little something like this: in 1999, Earth is in the middle of World War III. The war is quickly stopped however when a gigantic spacecraft measuring three quarters of a mile, crash-lands on Macross Island in the South pacific. A cease-fire is called, and Earth scientists begin examining the superior technology aboard the craft. However, the aliens that designed the craft, the Zentreadi, come to Earth seeking their lost craft. Earth has been long prepared for this event however, and has s defense against the new threat. The Zentreadi are 40-foot tall aliens and as a counter-measure, the military has developed Veritech fighters and created the Robotech Defense Force to repel the Zentreadi. You assume the role of Rick Hunter, hotshot pilot and member RDF in a battle on Earth and above.

There’s a whole lot more to the story than that, but I think you get the general premise of exactly what’s going on. Now, despite the fact that I’m not a fan of the series in any shape or form, doesn’t mean that I haven’t ever watched it. I have as a matter of fact and more than just an episode (and I surely didn’t watch it on the Cartoon Network either, so get that thought out of your head.) The first thing that was noticeable was the use of the original (English) voice actors as well as the efforts to stick to the original story. Sure, they could have brought in anyone to do voice acting, and done anything to the story, but the fact is, there’s that attempt at quality that I’m sure will definitely be appreciated by fans.

Robotech is another in new wave of cell shading that’s slowly becoming more and more common. If you haven’t seen any titles that fall into this category, think back to those commercials that I’m sure you may have seen for Jet Set Radio (X-Box) or even check out Sony’s Sly Cooper for a good example. If you haven’t experienced anything from this new trend in design, cell shading is already the next big thing, and I’m quite certain that we’ll all be sick of it in about a year. Regardless, cell shading is a new form of polygon shading that gives the games a nice cartoon quality and Robotech (being anime in the first place) is a perfect candidate for cell shading.

The game itself plays like a few different titles, but that’s due to the fact that, keeping in line with the Robotech series, your Veritech can transform itself into three different forms. However, you’re not relegated to just staying within one of them, as you might think would be the case. In fact, at any point during game play, simply use the D-pad to change your Veritech into any of three forms available to you.

Fighter Mode: This is your standard aircraft mode, and your initial starting vehicle. The fighter controls pretty much like any other aircraft in any number of flight sims that are on the PS2 (Ace Combat, Drop Ship, etc.) The controls are set up different, and in fact are a little easier to get accustomed than some of the mentioned titles. Armed to the teeth with guns and missiles and highly agile, the fighter makes an excellent choice for aerial combat, but players may find it a bit restrictive for surface battles.

In fighter mode, Robotech plays quite a bit like Ace Combat, although not nearly as advanced, of course Battlecry is about game play and not simulation. Although the fighter is extremely sleek in its movements, targeting seems to be where it really lacks. Don’t expect heat-seeking missiles to track your opponents, but do look forward to getting hammered quite a bit. Most of the air-to-air and space combat is fast flowing with numerous enemies. One advantage however, the fear of slamming into the ground is less a factor than most other aerial combat titles, making things flow much easier without having the voice of paranoia nagging in the back of your head.

Battleoid Mode: This is a combination between the fighter and the Guardian (mecha) mode. It’s not as quick as the Veritech fighter, but is still quite responsive and quick. Unlike the fighter, there’s a sniper mode available, which allows players to zoom in and pick off enemies at a distance. However, its speed makes it a bit difficult to handle in enclosed spaces. Its smaller size also makes it easier to hide (when needed) from Zentreadi forces.

Personally, I found this to be the weakest of the three modes. Although it is fast, it controls horribly and seems to have difficulties in precise maneuvering. The sniper mode balances it out a bit, as does its quick boost, but it still lacks quite a bit.

Guardian Mode: The ultimate in Robotechnology, the Guardian mode transforms your Veritech into a heavily armored mecha. Although it’s slower than either the fighter or the battleoid, the Guardian tends to withstand damage a bit more, and is top of the line when it comes to fighting. Also equipped with a sniper mode, and much improved targeting, the Guardian is the suited for air as well as ground combat.

If you’ve played any of the Gundam games, then you’re pretty familiar with how this mode works. However, the Guardian is definitely faster than the slow and clunky Gundams'. This is definitely the mode to be in for most ground assaults, and although it is well suited for air or space combat, it’s not nearly as swift the fighter.

If you’re finding difficulties in operating in any of the three modes, the game comes complete with a training mode that will walk you through the basic and advanced operations as well as some training with battle drones. But if you really want to get accustomed to the controls, then find a friend and take some time out to bash him around in tow player mode. Obviously however, that’s assuming your friend doesn’t also own this and isn’t better honed with their skills.

So, Robotech may play fairly decent for the most part, but what about the graphics? What about his cell shading I keep talking about? Well, the cell shading definitely works for the game, but in many ways it’s lacking when compared to other titles that utilize the same graphic format (namely Sly Cooper). Many times the graphics have too much color to resemble a cartoon. There’s quite a lack of detail in some areas as well, especially in the lack luster city levels and the enemies tend to be repetitive in design and nature.

The cut scenes on the other hand aren’t too terribly bad. Again, this is where an influence from Ace Combat 4 comes into play. All the cut scenes are done in cell shaded style, but are stills that pan and zoom as the story is told. A great as some computer-generated scenes can be, seeing cut scenes that are done as still is a great change. I think this in because, in part, it’s not something that has been overused in the world of next generation platforms.

Robotech’s biggest downfall however is its repetitive nature. There isn’t much variation at all in the missions, just find your targets and destroy them. Once in a while, there’s an added change, like protecting buildings, but there’s not too terribly much variation. With 40 plus missions in the game, you can see where this is going to get really old, really quick.

Even though it’s great to see Robotech finally make its way to audiences outside of Japan, the whole effort seems to be a bit lackluster. Most devoted fans of the series will have a blast with the game, and I’m sure it’s also bound to drawn in a many newcomers to the series. However, the game feels more like an attempt to cash in on a franchise than it does an effort of respect. I don’t feel honestly that I take this opinion from being a non-fan, and in fact was quite excited to play the game. But this isn’t anything that makes me want to rush right out and pick up the series either. No matter what my opinion is though, the fact remains that after 20 years, Robotech still has a place in the hearts of millions and this game will be just the start of many more (hopefully better) titles to come.

 -mike-